The Audi e-tron GT is defined by its duality: A high-performance gran turismo that can be just as easily driven spiritedly as it can be in leisure. The Audi RS e-tron GT, the first EV from Audi Sport sold in the U.S., expands this dual personality. Key to this characteristic are its electric propulsion system, three-chamber air suspension, all-wheel steering, and two-speed transmission.
An element of performance the Audi e-tron GT shares with the world’s most thrilling roller coasters also contributes to its exhilarating performance: permanently excited magnets. Found in both the front and rear axles of the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT, permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) are ideal for the e-tron GT thanks to the motors’ ample, instant torque from a standstill. The e-tron GT produces 235 horsepower at its front motor and 429 horsepower at its rear motor. The motors’ net combined output is 469 horsepower, or up to 522 horsepower with overboost for 2.5 seconds with launch control, and 464 lb-ft of torque (472 lb-ft with overboost). This allows the e-tron GT to repeatedly accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds on the way to a top track speed of 152 mph.
The RS e-tron GT shares its front motor with the entry e-tron GT but has a more powerful rear motor, capable of producing 450 horsepower. Together, the front and rear motors in the RS e-tron GT produce a net 590 horsepower and up to 637 horsepower with overboost. Total system torque is 612 lb-ft. As a result, the RS e-tron GT can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and has a 155 mph top track speed. That places the acceleration of RS e-tron GT on par with the V10-powered Audi R8 supercar – all while generating zero direct emissions.
